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advocacy

Nonprofit changes name to reflect expanded mission

THE FORMER POVERTY INSTITUTE has changed its name to better reflect a mission that is as much about the state's economic vitality as it is about advocating for the poor.

Posted:
Thursday, February 16, 2012 11:35 am

By PBN Staff

PROVIDENCE – The Poverty Institute has a new name, but the same mission of improving the economic well-being of Rhode Islanders with low and modest incomes.

The nonpartisan group is now known as The Economic Progress Institute. The change was announced on Thursday at the nonprofit’s annual Budget Rhode Map Conference “From Poverty to Progress.” The budget conference at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston included presentations on the state’s human-services budget and the need for a skilled workforce in Rhode Island.

“Over the past decade, as our organization grew and our scope of work expanded, we decided that we needed a name that is inspirational, speaks to what we stand for, and reflects the reality that we have become advocates not only for those living in poverty, but for the growing number of middle-income Rhode Islanders struggling to make ends meet,” said Communications Director Jennifer Leigh of the name change.

“While our name is changing, our mission is not,” Leigh said. “We are still the voice for low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders, and we will continue to work to promote policies to improve the economic vitality of Rhode Island and its residents.”

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